rhexia
/ˈrɛksɪə/noun
Any plant of the genus Rhexia (family Melastomaceae), comprising herbaceous perennials with four-petalled flowers of various colours, native to eastern North America but grown for ornament elsewhere; also called meadow beauty. Also (in form Rhexia): the genus itself.
- Valid publication of the genus name: Linnaeus Species Plantarum (1753) I. 346..
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in New & Complete Dictionary Arts & Science. From scientific Latin Rhexia, genus name from classical Latin rhexia, name of a boraginaceous plant (Pliny), of unknown origin.